The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri has been named Grand Marshal of the 25th Annual Boxing Hall of Fame Parade of Champions scheduled for Sunday, June 8th at 1 p.m.

“What a wonderful way to celebrate our landmark 25th anniversary by naming Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri as parade grand marshal.” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “It will be a great day in Canastota when Miss America leads the Parade of Champions through ‘Boxing’s Hometown.’”

Born in Syracuse, NY on April 20, 1989, Davuluri graduated from the University of Michigan in 2011 and initially entered pageants to earn college tuition. In 2013 she was named Miss New York and, on September 15, 2013, was crowned Miss America 2014 in Atlantic City, the first contestant of Indian descent to win the legendary competition. As Miss America, Davuluri will travel across the nation during her year of service, supporting her platform: “Celebrating Diversity through Cultural Competency.” She will also serve as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. After her year of service as Miss America, Davuluri will attend medical school to become a physician.

“I’m truly honored to be named Grand Marshal of this milestone parade and looking forward to participating in the Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. To be among some of the greatest boxers and athletes of our time will be quite a thrill,”said Davuluri.

The Parade of Champions, set for Sunday, June 8th at 1:00 p.m., will pass through the streets of Canastota and lead to the grounds of the Hall of Fame Museum prior to the start of the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the new class of inductees. Inductees include two division champion “The Pride of Wales” Joe Calzaghe, six division world champion “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya, three division champion Felix “Tito” Trinidad, promoter Barry Hearn, referee Richard Steele, journalist Graham Houston and photographer Neil Leifer. Posthumous inductees in the Old-Timer, Pioneer and Non-Participant categories will also be honored. Over 40 boxing stars will be highlighted in the Parade of Champions.

“With the lineup of marching bands, boxing celebrities, community organizations and now Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri, this should be our biggest parade ever and an unforgettable day for all,” said parade chairperson Charlene Barres.

The Parade of Champions is sponsored by Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes.

The June 5-8th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature many exciting events including a banquet, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2014.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 25th Annual Induction Weekend please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.